Wall hails Gillane as one of country’s best after stellar semi showing
MARY IMMACULATE 1-18 NUIG 0-18
MARY IMMACULATE manager Jamie Wall claimed Limerick forward Aaron Gillane is one of the best hurlers in the country after he shot 1-12 in a stunning personal display against NUIG.
Mary I, Fitzgibbon Cup winners in 2016 and 2017, took a 1-8 to 0-9 halftime lead after Gillane’s penalty in this semi-final at Cusack Park.
NUIG tried to stage a late comeback but despite 0-13 from Evan Niland, they came up short.
“At key times today our big leaders stood up,” said Wall.
“When you have got one of the best players in the country you try and get him into the game. Aaron Gillane is one of the best players in the country.”
Mary I will face UCC in a repeat of the 2013 final but NUIG’s wait since 2010 goes on.
The teams were level on 10 occasions in Ennis. Gillane and Brian Concannon exchanged scores inside two minutes and both attacks were on top.
NUIG had already defeated UL and LIT in this year’s competition and they took a 0-6 to 0-4 lead before two Gillane points drew the sides level again.
Colin Guilfoyle was dragged down by Jack Fitzpatrick for the 32nd-minute penalty that Gillane dispatched low to the NUIG net.
Mary I were 1-8 to 0-9 in front at half-time but quick-fire points from Niland drew the sides level again.
Mary I didn’t wrest control until Luke Meade and Gary Cooney fired over back-to-back scores but Gillane was the star.
NUIG never gave up and almost drew level in the dying moments but a goal from Brian Concannon was disallowed and Mary I advanced to another final.
“The difference between the sides was Aaron Gillane,” said NUIG manager Jeff Lynskey.
“But I give huge credit to our own lads, they battled and kept in there. They got the chances but just didn’t convert,” he added.